A NEW director of public health has been appointed to improve quality of life in Essex.

Dr Mike Gogarty, director of public health for North East Essex Primary Care Trust, will combine the new post with his current job.

He has been jointly appointed by Essex County Council and the PCT.

His role at the council will cover areas such as promoting healthy lifestyles, tackling social isolation and improving the health of the county's most vulnerable children.

Dr Gogarty has worked in public health in Castle Point, Rochford, Tendring and Colchester.